Psychology

In studying psychology at Duquesne University, students explore the concepts, issues, and interest areas of psychology, both as a human science and a natural science. Students learn to think critically and creatively about human psychology and life as a whole.

Ed discusses his career path after graduating with a degree in Psychology:

Strategies: Pursue multiple internships in various settings to gain experience and clarify areas of interest and type of clientele (e.g., substance abuse, children, elders); become active in campus student psychology organizations such as Psi Chi Professional Psychology Honor Society if eligible; attend professional conferences; be prepared to pursue graduate education at the masters or doctoral level in counseling, psychology, social work, etc., in order to be able to meet licensure requirements; stay aware of licensing and certification requirements in your state.

Residential Services

Residential drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs

Half-way houses for people transitioning from in-patient or correctional programs to independent living (e.g., psychiatric and substance abuse; repeat offender prevention)

Overnight counselor for group homes for juvenile delinquents or adjudicated youth

Battered women and children shelters; homeless shelters or transitional facilities for homeless women

Strategies: Residential care is a good opportunity to get post-graduate experience in the field of social services/counseling as the need is great and turnover high; be prepared to “live in” at least part-time; pursue multiple internships in settings with challenging and diverse populations to determine suitability for your temperament and interests; become active in campus student psychology organizations such as Psi Chi Professional Psychology Honor Society if eligible; volunteer through Duquesne University Volunteers (DUV) with diverse populations of interest; consider graduate training in counseling, psychology, social work, etc.

Strategies: Consider advanced degrees (e.g., typically masters degree in counseling, psychology or social work) for advancement (some agencies have tuition support programs); volunteer in social and human services fields; intern with different types of populations.

Human Resources and Organization Development

Human resources specialist or director

Training and development professional in a company or organization (e.g., employee and management training programs)

Testing and assessment for screening prospective employees or candidates for promotion

Internal or external consultant to companies or organizations, focusing on such areas teamwork, team building, conflict resolution, career development

Strategies: Consider a certificate in business; pursue internships in human resources; conduct informational interviews with alumni; job shadow HR professionals; attend professional conferences in HR as well as psychology.

College Teaching and Research

University professor (e.g., Ph.D. on tenure track in university, usually with research obligations)

Strategies: Be prepared to gain graduate degrees, particularly the Ph.D. (average time to complete Ph.D.: 7.3 years); assist in research programs with faculty as an undergraduate; attend and present at professional conferences; gain experience teaching as a grad assistant; interview your professors about their field and career path; be prepared to relocate to follow the very competitive job market .